Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast

Round Rock Studio

Join host Bryan Eisenberg for candid conversations with Round Rock’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders. Each week, in bite-sized 20-minute episodes, successful local business owners share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs of building thriving enterprises in our growing Texas community. Rock Solid connects you with the real stories and practical wisdom of Round Rock’s business community. From innovative startups to established companies, each episode offers valuable insights into the vibrant business ecosystem that makes Round Rock unique.

  1. 4d ago

    83. Lindsay Shappee | From Corporate Burnout to Entrepreneurial Freedom

    What happens when a successful banking executive walks away from corporate America to build a roofing company? In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Lindsay Shappee, co-owner of Family Friend Roofing & Construction, to discuss her remarkable transition from a successful career at JP Morgan into entrepreneurship. Lindsay opens up about burnout, finding purpose, honoring her family's legacy, and why building a business rooted in trust, relationships, and community has become her life's mission. She also shares how Family Friend Roofing is giving back to veterans, investing in Williamson County, and proving that business success comes from serving people first. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone considering a career change, Lindsay's story is filled with practical lessons and genuine inspiration. In this episode: • Leaving a successful banking career • The reality of corporate burnout • Starting Family Friend Roofing & Construction • Why reputation is everything in business • Growing through community involvement • Building company culture intentionally • Supporting veterans and local nonprofits • Women in business and entrepreneurship • Raising the next generation of leaders • Why success follows serving others If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, and building stronger communities, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    83. Lindsay Shappee | From Corporate Burnout to Entrepreneurial Freedom
  2. Jul 14

    82. Shannon Black | The Hiring Secrets Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

    What do a rattlesnake bite, building a successful Montessori school, and helping entrepreneurs launch thriving businesses have in common? In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Shannon Black, Chair of SCORE Austin, entrepreneur, former educator, and business mentor, to discuss what it really takes to start, grow, hire, and eventually sell a successful business. Shannon shares her incredible story—from starting a Montessori school because she couldn't find the right one for her son, to growing it into two successful locations before selling the business. She also opens up about a recent rattlesnake bite that nearly kept her from recording this episode. Whether you're launching your first business or struggling to find great employees, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can use immediately. In this episode you'll learn:• Why Shannon started a business with no formal business background• How SCORE provides free mentoring for entrepreneurs• The biggest mistakes new business owners make• Hiring strategies that actually work in today's job market• The best day and time to post job openings• How SEO impacts your job listings• Simple interview questions that reveal the best candidates• Building a company culture that attracts and retains great employees• When it's time to make your first hire• Why being "firm and kind" creates better leaders If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or planning to start a company, this episode is full of actionable insights that can save you time, money, and frustration. Learn more about SCORE and find a free mentor at SCORE.org. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with another entrepreneur. #RockSolidPodcast #BryanEisenberg #SCORE #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Hiring #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #RoundRock #AustinBusiness #CompanyCulture #SmallBusinessTips #HiringEmployees #StartupAdvice Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    82. Shannon Black | The Hiring Secrets Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know
  3. Jul 7

    81. Ennis Wright | A TikTok Insider Reveals How Small Businesses Can Grow Without Going Viral

    Is TikTok really just a dancing app for teenagers? Not anymore. On this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Round Rock native Ennis Wright, an account executive at TikTok, to uncover how businesses of every size can use TikTok to tell better stories, reach new audiences, and grow. After speaking at the Round Rock Chamber’s Founders Forum, Ennis shares the biggest misconceptions business owners have about TikTok — including the belief that “my customers aren’t there.” Bryan and Ennis discuss: • Why TikTok is becoming a powerful discovery platform• How storytelling beats traditional selling• Why businesses don’t need to go viral to succeed• How TikTok creates a “halo effect” across Google, websites, and other platforms• The difference between organic content, paid ads, creators, and TikTok Shop• How AI is making authentic storytelling even more valuable• Why local businesses — from banks to roofers to studios — should rethink their content strategy Ennis also shares his journey growing up in Round Rock, attending Stony Point High School, and watching the city transform into the thriving community it is today. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, marketer, or someone who still thinks TikTok “isn’t for you,” this conversation may change how you think about the future of social media and customer connection. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    81. Ennis Wright | A TikTok Insider Reveals How Small Businesses Can Grow Without Going Viral
  4. Jun 30

    80. Kelly Moreno | How to Find, Train & Keep Great Employees in 2026

    Hiring is changing faster than ever—and many businesses aren't prepared. In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Kelly Moreno, Chief Solutions Officer at Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, to discuss the future of work, workforce development, AI, skilled trades, internships, apprenticeships, and the biggest hiring challenges facing employers today. Kelly shares how businesses can access free workforce resources, upskill employees, improve retention, connect with interns, and rethink outdated hiring practices. She also explains why parents, educators, and students should take a fresh look at career pathways beyond the traditional four-year college degree. Whether you're a business owner, HR leader, educator, parent, or job seeker, this conversation is packed with practical advice for navigating today's rapidly changing workforce. Why employers struggle to find qualified talentThe growing demand for skilled trades and manufacturing careersHow AI is changing the workforceApprenticeships vs. traditional college pathwaysTeacher externships and internship programsWorkforce retention strategies for employersFree workforce resources available to Texas businessesWhy job descriptions need a major updatePreparing students for careers that don't exist yetIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help more business leaders discover conversations that strengthen the Round Rock business community. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio. In this episode:

    80. Kelly Moreno | How to Find, Train & Keep Great Employees in 2026
  5. Jun 23

    79. Kim Pollok | From Layoff to CEO

    What does it take to go from an entry-level position to CEO? In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Kim Pollok, CEO of SWBC Payroll & HR, to discuss her remarkable journey from helping employees through a company shutdown to leading one of the region’s premier payroll and HR organizations. Kim shares powerful lessons on leadership, mentorship, workplace culture, managing multiple generations in today’s workforce, and navigating the rapid rise of AI in business. She also reveals one of the most impactful pieces of advice she ever received: “Stop letting people give you dead birds.” From building a successful career without a college degree to becoming a trusted leader and mentor, Kim’s story is filled with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals at every stage of their careers. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How saying “yes” created unexpected opportunities throughout Kim’s career✅ The importance of mentorship and how to find the right mentors✅ Why relationships remain the foundation of business success in an AI-driven world✅ How employers can better understand and motivate multiple generations of employees✅ What employees value most in today’s workplace✅ How SWBC is thoughtfully adopting AI while protecting sensitive data✅ Why Round Rock continues to be one of the strongest business communities in Texas Whether you're growing a company, leading a team, or looking to advance your own career, this conversation offers valuable insights on leadership, culture, and the future of work. Learn more about SWBC Payroll & HR: https://www.swbcpeo.com #RockSolidPodcast #BryanEisenberg #KimPollok #SWBC #Leadership #HumanResources #Payroll #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfWork #AI #WorkplaceCulture #RoundRockTX Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    79. Kim Pollok | From Layoff to CEO
  6. Jun 16

    78. Caroline Harris Davila | From Round Rock Kid to State Representative

    What does it take to go from a lifelong Round Rock resident to serving your community at the Texas Capitol? In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Caroline Harris Davila to discuss growing up in Round Rock, the values that shaped her leadership, and why community involvement matters more than ever. Caroline shares the story of how she unexpectedly entered public service at just 27 years old, the lessons she learned overcoming her fear of public speaking, and why helping neighbors remains at the heart of everything she does. Topics include: Growing up in Round RockCommunity leadership and serviceFaith, family, and civic engagementSupporting nonprofits and local organizationsYoung people in public serviceHousing affordability and workforce opportunitiesBuilding confidence and overcoming fearWhy relationships matter in leadershipWhether you're interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, community building, or personal growth, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    78. Caroline Harris Davila | From Round Rock Kid to State Representative
  7. Jun 9

    77. Geneva Walker | Widowed with 3 Boys: Turning Tragedy into Purpose and Resilience

    What happens when life changes in an instant? In this heartfelt episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Geneva, founder of Victorious Walk Counseling, TEDx speaker, professional counselor, and EMDR practitioner, to discuss grief, resilience, healing, and the courage to keep moving forward after unimaginable loss. After losing her husband unexpectedly and becoming a widowed mother of three boys, Geneva discovered that grief and growth are not opposites—they can exist together. She shares powerful insights on: ✅ Holding grief and joy at the same time ✅ Raising resilient children after loss ✅ Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness ✅ The connection between purpose and healing ✅ How EMDR therapy helps process trauma ✅ Anxiety, self-worth, and mental health among college students ✅ Why we speak more kindly to others than we do to ourselves ✅ Supporting aging parents through loss of independence ✅ Finding meaning after tragedy This conversation is filled with wisdom for anyone navigating grief, supporting a loved one through loss, struggling with anxiety, or looking for a healthier path toward resilience and emotional well-being. Connect with Geneva 🌐 Victorious Walk Counseling: https://victoriouswalk.com 📱 Instagram: @myvictoriouswalk If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear this message. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    77. Geneva Walker | Widowed with 3 Boys: Turning Tragedy into Purpose and Resilience
  8. Jun 2

    76. Michelle Ly | Balancing City Council, Business Ownership & Motherhood in Round Rock

    Michelle Ly wears more hats than most people can imagine. As a Round Rock City Council member, business owner, nonprofit leader, wife, and mother, Michelle has built a life centered around service, leadership, and making a difference in her community. In this episode of Rock Solid, she shares her journey from the daughter of Vietnamese refugees to becoming a respected entrepreneur and one of Round Rock’s most recognizable community leaders. Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Michelle to discuss: • Growing up in Round Rock and why she returned after college • Building Hall Roofing & Construction alongside her husband • Owning The Rock Sports Bar, The Flats, and Alcove Cantina • Managing multiple businesses while serving on City Council • The power of servant leadership • Supporting nonprofits and giving back to the community • Balancing motherhood, business ownership, and public service • Her vision for the future of Round Rock • Why she believes leadership starts with showing up and doing the work Michelle also shares how being an introvert has helped her become a better leader, why she believes in leading by example, and how she stays focused on serving others despite the demands on her time. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, community leadership, local business, or the future of Round Rock, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations with the entrepreneurs, leaders, and organizations shaping Round Rock and Central Texas. #RoundRock #MichelleLy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CityCouncil #SmallBusiness #CommunityLeadership #RockSolidPodcast #BryanEisenberg #RoundRockTexas Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    76. Michelle Ly | Balancing City Council, Business Ownership & Motherhood in Round Rock

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join host Bryan Eisenberg for candid conversations with Round Rock’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders. Each week, in bite-sized 20-minute episodes, successful local business owners share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs of building thriving enterprises in our growing Texas community. Rock Solid connects you with the real stories and practical wisdom of Round Rock’s business community. From innovative startups to established companies, each episode offers valuable insights into the vibrant business ecosystem that makes Round Rock unique.

You Might Also Like